Best footballer from each continent (2022)

#3 Africa - Mohamed Salah

FC Internazionale v Liverpool FC: Round Of Sixteen Leg One - UEFA Champions League

Mohamed Salah is one of the best players in the world right now. He has been in sublime touch this season and has been absolutely tearing it up for Liverpool in Europe this season. The 29-year-old also made it to the 2021 AFCON final with Egypt but missed out on penalties.

Salah's pace, quick-feet and incredible shooting ability make him one of the most feared forwards in all of Europe. The Egyptian international has already had a stellar career at Liverpool but he has definitely taken his game up a couple of notches this season.

Salah has made a total of 29 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions this term, scoring 24 goals and racking up nine assists. He has entered the final 18 months of his contract and is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal.

#2 South America - Vinicius Jr.

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF - La Liga Santander

This is a huge departure from the norm. Lionel Messi has simply been the best footballer hailing from South America for well over a decade now. Even though players like Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr. have made a great case for themselves intermittently, Messi has managed to reign supreme.

However, the Argentinian international has not been at his best this season. He has had a rather underwhelming 2021-22 by his own lofty standards. But there's one player whose levels have absolutely gone through the roof this season as far as expectations are concerned. That player is Vinicius Jr.

We have truly seen the Real Madrid youngster grow into one of the best wingers in the world this season. The 21-year-old embodies the 'samba' swagger we associate with players from Brazil.

Vinicius has been performing at a very high level this season. He has scored 15 goals and provided 10 assists in 33 appearances across all competitions so far this campaign.

#1 Europe - Kylian Mbappe

Manchester City v Paris Saint-Germain: Group A - UEFA Champions League

Kylian Mbappe is widely viewed as heir apparent to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He is still just 23 years old but has already left an indelible mark on the game. Mbappe is a force of nature with the ball at his feet and is an incredible athlete who is one of the most sought-after footballers in the world.

The Frenchman has been in mesmerizing form for PSG this season. He has been the difference maker for both club and country this term. Mbappe scored crucial goals in the semi-finals and final of the UEFA Nations League during France's triumphant campaign.

Mbappe has scored 22 goals and provided 16 assists in 32 appearances across all competitions for PSG in the 2021-22 season so far. He most recently scored a last-gasp winner in stoppage time against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie. The way things are going, he is an early favorite to win the 2022 Ballon d'Or.